Thank you for my brother
Josh Selway is raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity
In memory of Michael Selway
Story
I'm running the London Marathon in April 2019 to give something back to the Great Ormond street hospital charity who have given something extra special to me... my big brother.
Daniel Selway was born at Caerphilly Miners hospital on 21st May 1988 with Down Syndrome and a life-threatening hole in the heart.
At the age of 8 months Daniel had an AVSD heart repair with a 50-50 chance due to his paper thin valves. Thanks to the expertise and post-operative care of Mr Stark and his cardiology team, Daniel pulled through and is now a happy young man involved in many projects in his local community. He enjoys catering, craft music, shows and meeting his TV idols.
Being 6 years younger than my brother, I was oblivious to my parent's ordeal surrounding Daniel's journey to recovery. They spoke of dressing him in the tiny Tom and Jerry hospital gown as he clutched his soft black pussycat and drifted off to sleep unaware of the risky procedure ahead of him. My Mum held his tiny hand down the corridors until she had to leave him at the operating theatre. She will never forget the fearful feeling as the doors swung closed and he was gone. Staff advice was to take a long walk for at least 5hrs and then report back for news. My parents walked in a trance to the birthplace of Charles Dickens nearby and straight back to the hospital Chapel for comfort.
They were told that the heart repair was a success but Daniel’s previous damaged lungs stopped working several times requiring resuscitation.
Nothing prepared them for the sight of his tiny figure surrounded by monitors, fluid bags, tubes, wires and ice packs whilst in an induced coma. Each time Daniel's heart rate dropped to a dangerous level, my father would stroke his hand and say, "Come on son up one more". To everyones amazement, the miracle slowly began. He never gave up hope but there was no guarantee that a goodnight kiss would be his last. They were indebted to the GOSH charity for providing on-site accommodation during the nail biting six weeks stay where they needed to be available on call day and night.
I tell this story in my brothers honour and hope that it may encourage you to donate whatever you can to help other children have the same chance in life.
I look forward to crossing that finish line with Team GOSH across my chest!
BR.
Josh Selway
GOSH
Every day brings new challenges at Great OrmondStreet Hospital (GOSH).Every day, 618 children and young people from across the UKarrive. Every day, doctors and nurses battle the most complexillnesses, and the brightest minds come together to achievepioneering medical breakthroughs.And every day is a chance for you to make a difference.This extraordinary hospital has always depended on charitablesupport to give seriously ill children the best chance to fulfil theirpotential.A better future for seriously ill children STARTS HERE.